Eagles hit the courts

By DAVE CLARK

Journal Sports Writer

NEW ULM -- One would think that after 34 years of coaching New Ulm High School tennis, Joe Poncin has seen it all.

And one would be correct. He has.

When the 2003 squad began the season down six players due to graduation, there's no surprise. Graduations have been happening since Poncin first started coaching New Ulm tennis in 1969.

When two players he was counting on to contribute go down due to injury, well, it's not as if injuries haven't been part of the sports landscape since sports were invented.

When four players who were on last year's squad decide not to come back, hey, there are about a thousand activities that can grab the attention of a prep student.

When a couple of seniors who have never been out for tennis before come to Poncin and say they want to be doubles players:

"That's a little unusual," Poncin admits.

"Last year we finished 14-2 and made it to the semis in the section," Poncin said. "Returning this year as No. 1 singles is junior John Hildebrandt, also junior Joel Runck and our lone senior singles player, John Christensen."

The two injured players are both from New Ulm Cathedral -- senior Jimmy Vancura and Josh Hillesheim. Vancura is rehabbing from a knee injury and his status is not yet known for the tennis season, while Hillesheim suffered an injury on the first day of practice and will miss the first month of the season.

"We were counting on Vancura and Hillesheim playing for us, so there are kids looking at filling the empty spaces," said Poncin. "There's freshman Phil Dirlam, who's a good prospect and may be our number four singles. The only other two returnees with any varsity or JV experience are junior Jay Smith and sophomore Matt Sprung, and they'll both get a chance."

The seniors who suddenly caught tennis fever are Matt Aiken and Tom Bergstrom. After that, there's a core group of six freshman who can be counted on for present and future reference (or lightning in a bottle, Poncin's no doubt seen both).

Michael Maki, Adam Johnson, Tom Oberle, Conrad Wachter, Josh Schneider and Aaron Blowers comprise the ninth graders, while the seventh and eighth grade program under coach Kevin Kluis is thriving with thirteen players, "a number of them from St. Paul and Holy Trinity Middle School," said Poncin.

So with five out of sixteen players returning, Poncin and New Ulm play their first home match at 4:15 today against Shakopee. Poncin thinks Orono, Minnetonka, Hutchinson and Eden Prairie are the teams to beat in Section 2AA, while conference rival Waseca only lost three to graduation and figures to be the top team closer to home.

"The doubles are up in the air and everyone has a chance at singles," said Poncin. "It's going to be interesting."

Of course it will be. That's why he's been coaching for 34 years.